Avenue V is a mini grant program designed to stimulate student business development. The U-Imagine Center offers funding to qualified individuals and teams that make a compelling case for a sustainable businesses idea, through Avenue V. (Teams can accommodate for up to five people). Qualified projects can receive up to $500 in grant funds and the opportunity to apply for additional funding to continue their endeavor. *Funds are used to cover start-up costs and business expenses with no obligation for repayment*

The Avenue V Process

If your application qualifies, you will be invited to pitch your project to the funding committee.  If you project satisfies all of the Avenue V requirements outlined within, you will be awarded with the appropriate funding to pursue your project. Awarded funds will be dispersed through purchase orders or receipts in a timely fashion and in accordance with a projects budget submission.  (Any allocated funds that are unused will be forfeited to Avenue V).

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Funding Criteria

Value Proposition Is there a potential opportunity that provides clear value to customers? (Solves a problem, fills a need, relieves a pain point) Target Market Is there evidence that there is a market need? Differentiation How is it different than what is currently available and is it compelling enough to make customers switch? Project Momentum Has the team demonstrated the ability to execute? Stage of Development How well is the idea developed and has it gained some traction? (“prototype”, paying customer, functioning website etc.) Use of Resources Are the next steps clear and will the intended use of funds moving the project forward and increase the chance of it’s success? Budget Is the request for funds clear? Evidence of Commitment Has the team participated in any U-Imagine Center courses or programs? Team Dynamic can the team move the project forward? *Avenue V Grant request proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria*

Program Support

Teams that launch their projects using Avenue V will be supported by the U-Imagine Center via weekly check in’s with the enter and external mentors. Teams operate summer cohorts and will have an established meeting time each week. Teams granted with Avenue V’s funds are required to meet on campus for a mid-project review. Additionally, teams are required to post weekly progress reports in efforts to supplement the final paper and oral presentation at the commencement of the program.

Eligibility Requirements

• Teams must consist of at least one Ursinus student in good academic standing as a founder. 
• Students from any major, any year and graduating seniors are eligible for Avenue V.
• Ursinus faculty and staff are eligible for Avenue V funding. (Faculty working with students are encouraged to apply).
• Grants will be funded to both for-profit and non-profit ventures.
• Teams must display a proven commitment to their venture’s success.